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Thun captivates visitors with its historic charm, sparkling waters and stunning Alpine panoramas – it’s relaxed, charming and surprisingly diverse. In this article, you’ll discover the most beautiful sights, unique ideas for day trips, culinary tips and practical advice for a successful short break.
22.05.2026
Photo: Thun Castle and the old town from a bird’s-eye view.
Thun Castle towers high above the rooftops of the town and dominates the view of the old town even from a distance. This imposing structure, with its striking towers, is one of the region’s best-known landmarks, combining medieval history with one of the finest views of Thun. During a visit, you can explore historic rooms, gain fascinating insights into the past and experience the castle’s unique atmosphere.
Admission to the museum castle is normally CHF 10 for adults, CHF 8 for concessions and CHF 3 for children aged 6 to 16. Separate prices apply for special exhibitions or combined tickets. Practical information: Tickets are available not only at the ticket office but also in advance via the online shop.
Thun’s Old Town is a delight to explore on foot and offers a wealth of atmosphere within a compact area. The Obere Hauptgasse is particularly worth a visit, with its raised pavements, historic façades, small boutiques and cafés – it is one of the town’s most characteristic spots. The Rathausplatz is also well worth a quick stop: here, Thun reveals its particularly historic and lively side. From there, it’s easy to continue your stroll towards Mühleplatz, where the town’s relaxed character comes to the fore right by the water’s edge. A detour to Thun’s town church is also well worth it, as it offers a wonderful view over the old town.
If you enjoy a leisurely stroll, simply let yourself wander: through narrow alleyways, along the River Aare, past shops, cafés and squares that lend Thun its special small-town charm.
Photo: Evening scene by the water with a view of Thun’s old town.
If you’d like to discover Thun from its quiet, particularly picturesque side, you should plan a stroll along the Aarequai. Here, the town reveals itself with plenty of water, fresh air and lovely views of the surrounding area – ideal for winding down a little after a stroll through the old town.
The path runs pleasantly alongside the water and is perfect for a short stroll, a quick break on a bench or simply to snap a few lovely photos. The atmosphere is particularly charming in the morning or towards evening, when the light softens and Thun feels almost a bit like a holiday resort.
Photo: Schadau Castle, surrounded by a park ablaze with autumn colours.
Just outside the old town, Thun reveals its particularly elegant side: in Schadaupark, a beautifully maintained parkland setting meets lake views, Alpine panoramas and the historic backdrop of the castle. Schadau Castle is now a stylish boutique hotel with a restaurant – ideal for anyone looking for a special place to stay in Thun or simply wanting to take a break in an extraordinary setting.
It’s well worth a visit even if you’re not staying overnight: the park is perfect for a stroll along the water’s edge, a quiet moment gazing at the mountains or a coffee in a special setting. The location is particularly beautiful in fine weather, when the lake, the castle and the Alpine panorama combine to create an almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
Video: Niesen – the ‘Swiss Pyramid’ with a spectacular Alpine panorama.
A particularly impressive day trip from Thun takes you up to the Niesen, which is also known as the “Swiss Pyramid” due to its striking shape. Even the journey on the historic funicular is an experience in itself: in two stages, it climbs from Mülenen up to Niesen Kulm – with ever more beautiful views of the lake, valleys and mountains. During the season, the funicular usually runs daily at half-hourly intervals. A return journey costs around CHF 64 for adults (with a Half-Fare Card or GA travelcard) and around CHF 32 for children. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online.
Once at the top, a spectacular panorama awaits, taking in the Bernese Oberland, Lake Thun and, on a clear day, far beyond. Those who prefer a leisurely outing can enjoy the view from the Berghaus Niesen Kulm; the more active can combine their visit with a hike.
Photo: Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland – glistening water against a stunning Alpine backdrop.
A boat trip on Lake Thun is one of the most beautiful experiences to be had around Thun. Shortly after setting off, the view opens up to reveal the town, the water and the surrounding mountain landscape – a wonderful way to experience the region from a completely different perspective.
A trip towards Spiez, Oberhofen or Interlaken is particularly lovely. Along the way, you’ll pass castles, small villages, lakeside promenades and impressive mountain panoramas. If you’d like to make the most of the day, combine the boat trip with a stroll along the lake or a stop for a bite to eat along the way.
Photo: Oberhofen Castle – a fairytale setting right on Lake Thun.
Just a short drive from Thun lies Oberhofen Castle – one of the most beautiful destinations on Lake Thun. The historic castle stands right on the water’s edge and, with its small tower jutting out into the lake, its well-tended grounds and the mountain backdrop, has an almost fairy-tale quality.
The combination of a visit to the castle, a stroll through the castle grounds and views across the lake is particularly charming. In summer, concerts and cultural events also create a special atmosphere against this historic backdrop. Admission to the castle museum costs CHF 15 for adults, CHF 12 for concessions and CHF 6 for children aged 6 to 16; children under 6 go free. Family tickets are available from CHF 20.
If you wish, you can combine the trip with a boat trip from Thun – making even the journey part of the experience.
Photo: The entrance to the St Beatus Caves, with a waterfall overlooking Lake Thun.
The St. Beatus Caves are among the most impressive destinations for a day out in the Thun area. Perched high above Lake Thun, the paths lead through a fascinating world of stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground watercourses and mysterious rock chambers.
Even the walk to the cave entrance is particularly beautiful: small waterfalls, bridges and the view of the lake make the visit worthwhile even before the actual tour begins. Inside, well-maintained paths lead you through an impressive cave landscape – ideal for anyone wishing to combine nature, history and a little adventure.
Video: Dinner at Schadau Castle – a stylish dining experience right on the shores of Lake Thun.
Thun also has more to offer in terms of cuisine than you might think at first glance: from stylish waterfront restaurants and cosy neighbourhood eateries to special venues for a relaxed evening.
For a special meal with a view, the Schloss Schadau Restaurant is the perfect choice, combining a historic setting with an elegant ambience. If you prefer something more laid-back and local, Quartiersbeiz 13 is a charming spot with a relaxed atmosphere. Another exciting option is the Gaststube im Tempel, whose unique character makes it the perfect setting for an enjoyable evening in Thun.
For traditional Swiss cuisine, the Restaurant Burehuus is well worth a visit – ideal if you’d like to enjoy regional classics in a cosy setting. Those who prefer to sit right by the water can stop off at the Restaurant Dampfschiff; for Italian cuisine with a lake view, the Ristorante Beau-Rivage da Domenico is the place to go. A little more central and laid-back are Mani’s Coffee & Wine Bar for coffee, bagels or an aperitif, as well as the bars and cafés around Mühleplatz, which are perfect for a break whilst strolling through the town. This way, you can not only explore Thun, but also enjoy it to the full.
Photo: Deltapark Vitalresort
Thun is a town for anyone who enjoys discovering beauty without the hustle and bustle. The historic old town, the castle, the River Aare, Lake Thun and its proximity to the mountains make Thun an ideal destination for a short break in Switzerland. Whether it’s culture, fine dining, walks along the waterfront or day trips to the Bernese Oberland – Thun shows just how much of that holiday feeling a small town can offer.
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